From Bizarre to Macabre: 50 of the Strangest Art Performances

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41 Zhu Yu

In 2000, Chinese artist Zhu Yu’s controversial art performance “Eating People” involved him appearing to cook and eat a stillborn fetus, sparking controversy and outrage.

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42 Surrounded Islands – Christo

In 1983, artist Christo’s “Surrounded Islands” used pink fabric to surround 11 uninhabited islands in Miami’s Biscayne Bay, creating an otherworldly, surreal, and dreamlike landscape.

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43 Peanut Pushing – Mark McGowan

In 1999, British artist Mark McGowan protested the high cost of living in London by pushing a peanut across the city with his nose.

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44 Ron Athey

In 1993, artist Ron Athey’s performance art piece “Four Scenes in a Harsh Life” at the Walker Art Center featured body modifications and suspensions while covered in blood, leading to protests from conservative groups.

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45 Mirror Box – Milo Moiré

Swiss artist Milo Moiré’s “Mirror Box” performance art piece from 2016 involved her standing in a box made of mirrors, allowing strangers to touch her breasts and genitals for 30 seconds at a time.

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46 Unknown, Woman – Anna Odell

In 2011, Swedish artist Anna Odell staged a fake suicide attempt in Stockholm as a part of her performance art piece called “Unknown, Woman 2009-349701.” It sparked a massive police response.

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47 Anthropometry of Blue Period – Yves Klein

In 1964, French artist Yves Klein’s performance art piece called “The Anthropometry of the Blue Period” involved naked female models covering themselves in blue paint and pressing against canvases to create abstract paintings.

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48 The Birth of Baby X – Marni Kotak

In 2012, artist Marni Kotak gave birth to her son in a gallery as part of her art performance piece titled “The Birth of Baby X.”

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49 Nexus Vomitus – Millie Brown

In 2013, British artist Millie Brown’s “Nexus Vomitus” art performance involved drinking colored milk and then vomiting it onto a canvas to create abstract paintings.

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50 Following Piece – Vito Acconci

In 1970, American artist Vito Acconci’s art performance “Following Piece” involved following strangers around New York City until they entered a private space, and then finding a new person to follow.

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